French songstress Sophie Acadine’s most evident qualities were her gentle sincerity and respect for her audience whom she gratefully thanked for attenending. The sultry brunette offered up a selection of well known Brazilian tunes and a few charming originals such as the breezy samba,”Leltres de Bahia.”

Some of the songs, such as “I Get a Kick Out of You,” were in English, but many were not.  It would behoove this French singer to deliver up some of the Brazilian pieces—for example “A Felicidade” (de Mordes/Jobim) among others—in translation.  Even the iconic recording of “The Girl from Ipanema” was performed in English and I doubt it would have been such a hit if we were not aware that “the men she passes went AHH.”

Acadine’s pleasant voice was compromised by vocal affectations that are often foisted upon singers of Brazilian music.  The vocal should be soft, but not choked—sacrificing the tone, pitch and vitality of the music. There were times Sophie opened up (“Nature Boy”) and revealed a worthy instrument possessing luster and power.  If she must whisper, she should do it in a lower key to avoid the straining—allowing real music to occur.  Her pianist, Klaus Mueller offered unobtrusive support and pleasant harmonies.

Melody Breyer-Grell
Cabaret Scenes
September 23, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org